Protective glove

ABSTRACT

A protective glove for use with a keyboard, keypad, touchscreen or other electrical or mechanical user interfaces is encompassed by the present disclosure. The protective glove can comprise a plurality of insulative layers and one or more nibs formed on or mounted to the protective glove, wherein the nib is in electrical communication with one or more of the layers of the glove body.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 62/395,541, filed Sep. 16, 2016. The provisionalapplication identified above is hereby incorporated by reference in itsentirety herein to provide continuity of disclosure.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure is directed generally to protective gloves, and,more specifically, to protective gloves for use with electronic andmechanical devices.

BACKGROUND

In harsh environments, such as extreme cold, extreme heat, or exposureto impact or vibration, many users wear multi-layered protective glovesthat are bulky and lower dexterity in the use of the wearer's fingersand thumb. Even in such harsh environments, many users still have theneed to operate small keyboards, keypads, and/or capacitive touch screendevices as part of their job function or the activity in which they areengaged. With current protective gloves, this need to operate certaindevices requiring dexterity often results in the removal of theprotective glove in order to complete this function, exposing the handto the very elements being protected by the glove. Consequently, thereis a need for a glove that provides both protection from harshenvironments and the ability to operate with dexterity certain devices,such as keyboards, keypads, and/or capacitive touch screens without theneed to remove the glove.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure encompasses protective gloves that can be usedwith keyboards, keypads, touchscreens, and other machine userinterfaces. The protective gloves encompassed by the present disclosurecan comprise a plurality of insulative layers, with one or more layersof the glove being formed of an electrically conductive material. Theprotective gloves also comprise one or more nibs attached to the glovebody. The nib comprises one or more electrically conductive materialsand is in electrical communication with the one or more of the layers ofthe glove. The protective gloves encompassed by the present disclosureare configured to allow the nib to be in electrical communication withat least a portion of a hand disposed within the glove. The nib can bedetachably connected to the glove body and removed and/or replaced asneeded.

The present disclosure encompasses a protective glove comprising apalmar portion and a dorsal portion connected to the palmar portion,wherein the palmar portion and the dorsal portion cooperate to form aglove body, wherein the palmar portion and the dorsal portion cooperateto form an opening in the glove body for receiving a hand; a pluralityof finger elements formed in the glove body, wherein the plurality offinger elements comprises an index finger element, a long fingerelement, a ring finger element, and a small finger element; a thumbelement formed in the glove body, wherein each of the plurality offinger elements and the thumb element are configured to receive a fingerof a hand disposed within the protective glove, wherein the glove bodycomprises an outer layer, an inner lining layer, and an insulative layerdisposed between the outer layer and the inner lining layer, wherein theinner lining layer contacts a portion of the hand disposed within theprotective glove; and, a nib attached to the glove body and extendingbeyond the outer layer, wherein the nib comprises an electricallyconductive material, wherein the outer layer is electricallynon-conductive, wherein the inner lining layer is electricallyconductive, wherein the nib is in electrical communication with theinner lining layer and a portion of the hand contacting the inner lininglayer. In one aspect, the protective glove further can comprise a nibreceiver attached to the glove body, wherein the nib is detachablysecured to the nib receiver. In another aspect, the insulative layer canbe electrically conductive, and the insulative layer can be inelectrical communication with the nib and the inner lining layer. In afurther aspect, the insulative layer can be one insulative layer of aplurality of insulative layers disposed in the glove body between theouter layer and the inner lining layer. In still another aspect, theplurality of insulative layers can comprise an outer insulative layerand an outer fleece layer, the outer insulative layer and the outerfleece layer can be disposed between the insulative layer and the outerlayer. In yet a further aspect, the plurality of insulative layers canbe electrically conductive, and the plurality of insulative layers canbe in electrical communication with the nib and the inner lining layer.In another aspect, the protective glove can comprise a plurality ofprotective members disposed on the glove body. In still another aspect,a protective member of the plurality of protective members can bedisposed on the dorsal portion. In yet another aspect, the plurality ofprotective members can be disposed on the plurality of finger elements.In a further aspect, the nib can be disposed on the index finger elementof the glove body. In a still further aspect, the nib can be disposed ona palmar side of the index finger element of the glove body. In anotheraspect, the protective glove further can comprise a plurality of nibreceivers attached to the glove body. In still another aspect, theplurality of nib receivers can be disposed on the plurality of fingerelements.

The present disclosure also encompasses a protective glove comprising apalmar portion and a dorsal portion connected to the palmar portion,wherein the palmar portion and the dorsal portion cooperate to form aglove body, wherein the palmar portion and the dorsal portion cooperateto form an opening in the glove body for receiving a hand; a pluralityof finger elements formed in the glove body, wherein the plurality offinger elements comprises an index finger element, a long fingerelement, a ring finger element, and a small finger element; a thumbelement formed in the glove body, wherein each of the plurality offinger elements and the thumb element are configured to receive a fingerof the hand disposed within the protective glove, wherein the glove bodycomprises an outer layer, an inner lining layer, and a plurality ofinsulative layers disposed between the outer layer and the inner lininglayer, wherein the inner lining layer contacts a portion of the handdisposed within the protective glove; and, a nib detachably connected toa nib receiver, wherein the nib receiver is attached to the glove body,wherein the nib extends beyond the outer layer, wherein the nibcomprises an electrically conductive material, wherein the outer layeris electrically non-conductive, wherein the inner lining layer iselectrically conductive, wherein the nib is in electrical communicationwith the inner lining layer and a portion of the hand contacting theinner lining layer. In another aspect, the plurality of insulativelayers can be electrically conductive, and the plurality of insulativelayers can be in electrical communication with the nib and the innerlining layer. In a further aspect, the protective glove further cancomprise a plurality of protective members disposed on the dorsalportion of the glove body. In still another aspect, the plurality ofprotective members can be disposed on the plurality of finger elements.In still a further aspect, the nib can be disposed on the index fingerelement of the glove body. In another aspect, the nib can be disposed ona palmar side of the index finger element of the glove body. In stillanother aspect the nib receiver can be one nib receiver of a pluralityof nib receivers disposed on the glove body. In a further aspect, theplurality of nib receivers can be disposed on the plurality of fingerelements.

The present disclosure also encompasses a protective glove comprising apalmar portion and a dorsal portion connected to the palmar portion,wherein the palmar portion and the dorsal portion cooperate to form aglove body, wherein the palmar portion and the dorsal portion cooperateto form an opening in the glove body to receive a hand; a plurality offinger elements formed in the glove body, herein the plurality of fingerelements comprises an index finger element, a long finger element, aring finger element, and a small finger element; a thumb element formedin the glove body, wherein each of the plurality of finger elements andthe thumb element are configured to receive a finger of the handdisposed within the protective glove, wherein the glove body comprisesan outer layer, an inner lining layer, an outer insulative layerdisposed adjacent the outer layer, an outer fleece layer disposedadjacent the outer insulative layer, and an inner insulative layerdisposed between the outer fleece layer and the inner lining layer,wherein the inner lining layer contacts a portion of the hand disposedwithin the protective glove, wherein at least one of the outerinsulative layer, the outer fleece layer, and the inner insulative layerare electrically conductive; a plurality of protective members disposedon the dorsal portion and the plurality of finger elements and the thumbelement; and, a nib detachably connected to a nib receiver, wherein thenib receiver is attached to the index finger element of the glove body,wherein the nib extends beyond the outer layer, wherein the nibcomprises an electrically conductive material, wherein the outer layeris electrically non-conductive, wherein the inner lining layer iselectrically conductive, wherein the nib is in electrical communicationwith the inner lining layer, a portion of the hand contacting the innerlining layer, and at least one of the outer insulative layer, the outerfleece layer, and the inner insulative layer.

These and other aspects of the present disclosure are set forth ingreater detail below and in the drawings for which a brief descriptionis provided as follows.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front elevation palm-side schematic anatomical view of thebones of a right-side human hand.

FIG. 2 is a dorsal side view of a protective glove encompassing aspectsof the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a palm side view of the protective glove shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is another palm side view of the protective glove shown in FIG. 3and seen overlaying the skeletal structure of a palm-side right-sidehuman hand

FIG. 5 is a radial side view of the protective glove shown in FIG. 2 ina reconfigured position and seen overlaying the skeletal structure of aright-side human hand.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the index finger of the protective gloveshown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 7 is a palm side view of the index finger element and nib of theprotective glove shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 8 is a sectional view of the index finger another protective gloveencompassing aspects of the present disclosure with the nib and nibreceiver aligned on the tip of the index finger element of theprotective glove.

FIG. 9 is a radial view of the protective glove shown in FIG. 3 in areconfigured alignment and with the nib removed from the index fingerelement of the protective glove.

FIG. 10 is a palm side view of a protective glove encompassing aspectsof present disclosure and with a plurality of nibs provided thereon.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure encompasses gloves that include electricallyconductive elements therein. The protective gloves described herein canbe used to interface with a keyboard, keypad, touchscreen or other theuser interface of a mechanical or electrical device requiring somemanual precision in interfacing via contact with the device. Theprotective gloves encompassed by the present disclosure can provideprotection to a user's hands against extreme temperatures and/orenvironments and/or crushing forces. Wherever possible, the applicationuses the same reference numbers throughout the drawings to refer to thesame or similar items.

As used herein, the singular forms of “a,” “an,” and “the” encompassesthe plural form thereof unless otherwise indicated. As used herein, thephrase “at least one” includes all numbers of one and greater. Theranges used herein include all values that would fall within the statedrange, including values falling intermediate of whole values. As usedherein, the term “and/or” refers to one or all of the listed elements ora combination of any two or more of the listed elements. As used herein,the term “electrically conductive” refers to the ability to conduct anelectrical current. As used herein, the term “electrical communication”refers to an arrangement between one object and another whereby anelectrical current can pass there between directly or indirectly.

FIG. 1 is a palm side schematic anatomical view of the bones of a rightside human hand 20 and a portion of the forearm. The ulna 30 is shownadjacent the radius 32 and the distal radio ulnar joint (DNUJ) 31 therebetween. The wrist 81 extends therefrom separated by the radiocarpaljoint (RC) 38. The carpus 80 includes the lunate 35, the scaphoid 34,and the hamate bone 41, with the carpometacarpal joints (CMC) 36 and 37separating the metacarpals 46 and 45, respectively, from the wrist 81.The radiocarpal joint (RC) 38 and the carpometacarpal joints (CMC) 39and 40 are disposed within the wrist 81 adjacent the metacarpals 44, 43,and 42, respectively.

The thumb 52 includes the metacarpal 46, the metacarpalphalangeal joint(MCP) 47, the proximal phalanx 48, the interphalangeal joint (IP) 50,and the distal phalanx 51.

The index finger 59 comprises the metacarpal 45, themetacarpalphalangeal joint (MCP) 53, the proximal phalanx 54, theproximal interphalangeal joint (IP) 55, the middle phalanx 56, and thedistal interphalangeal joint (IP) 57, and distal phalanx 58.

The long finger 65 includes the metacarpal 44, the metacarpalphalangealjoint (MCP) 60, the proximal phalanx 61, the proximal interphalangealjoint (IP) 62, the middle phalanx 63, and the distal interphalangealjoint (IP) 82, and distal phalanx 64.

The ring finger 72 comprises the metacarpal 43, the metacarpalphalangealjoint (MCP) 66, the proximal phalanx 67, the proximal interphalangealjoint (IP) 68, the middle phalanx 69, and the distal interphalangealjoint (IP) 70, and distal phalanx 71.

The small finger 79 comprises the metacarpal 42, themetacarpalphalangeal joint (MCP) 73, the proximal phalanx 74, theproximal interphalangeal joint (IP) 75, the middle phalanx 76, and thedistal interphalangeal joint (IP) 77, and distal phalanx 78.

FIGS. 2-7 and 9 illustrate an embodiment of a protective glove 100encompassing aspects of the present disclosure. The protective gloves ofthe present disclosure can be provided for a left, a right or both humanhands and, optionally, can be configured to receive hands of apre-determined size. A protective glove for a left hand comprisessymmetrically corresponding number and arrangement of elements,materials of construction, and configuration and thicknesses of theelements set forth herein. FIG. 2 illustrates details of the dorsal sideof the protective glove 100. As shown in FIG. 2, the protective glove100 comprises glove body 101 comprising a plurality of finger elements104, a dorsal portion 114, and a palmar portion 134. The dorsal portion114 and the palmar portion 134 are either integrally formed or joinedtogether along the respective edges thereof to form the glove body 101of the glove 100 with an opening 105 therein to receive a hand. Thedorsal portion 114 can cover the dorsal side of a hand and the palmarportion 134 can cover the palmar side of a hand disposed in theprotective glove 100. The plurality of finger elements 104 can comprisea thumb element 102, an index finger element 106, a long finger element108, a ring finger element 110, and/or a small finger element 112. Eachof the plurality of finger elements 104 can be configured to form astall for receiving the corresponding finger of a hand 20 disposedwithin the protective glove 100. The protective glove 100 also includesa cuff 116 that circumscribes the opening 105 of the glove body 101 ofthe protective glove 100 and can comprise an elastic band that can aidin the retention of the protective glove 100 on a hand 20 on which theglove is disposed.

The finger elements 104 are configured to receive and cover all or aportion of the fingers of a human hand 20 on which the protective glove100 is disposed. The thumb element 102 can receive and cover a thumb 52;the index finger element 106 can receive and cover an index finger 59;the long finger element 108 can receive and cover a long finger 65; thering finger element 110 can receive and cover a ring finger 72; and, thesmall finger element 112 can receive and cover a small finger 79. Thethumb element 102 comprises a tip 142; the index finger element 106comprises a tip 118; the long finger element 108 comprises a tip 136;the ring finger element 110 comprises a tip 138; and, the small fingerelement 112 comprises a tip 140.

As shown in FIG. 2, the dorsal portion 114 of the glove body 101 of theprotective glove 100 comprises one or more protective members disposedthereon and which can project from the surface thereof. A plurality ofprotective members 132 are disposed on the dorsal portion 114 andaligned so that one or more of the plurality of protective member 132can protect at least a portion of one or more of the metacarpals 42, 43,44, and 45 of a hand 20 from cutting and/or crushing forces. Aprotective member 130 is disposed on the dorsal portion 114 and alignedto protect at least a portion of one or more of the metacarpalphalangealjoints (MCP) 73, 66, 60, and 53 and/or the adjoining portions of theproximal phalanxes 74, 67, 61, and 54 and/or the metacarpals 42, 43, 44,and 45. One or more protective members 128 are disposed on each of theplurality of finger elements 104 and thumb element 102 and are alignedto protect at least a portion of one of the respective proximalphalanxes 74, 67, 61, and 54. The distal protective members 126 aredisposed on each of the plurality of finger elements 104 and thumbelement 102 and are aligned to protect at least a portion of one of therespective distal phalanxes 51, 58, 64, 71, and 78. The distalprotective members 126 and the protective members 128, 130, and/or 132can comprise polymeric and/or metallic material. The polymeric materialcan be elastomeric, such as rubber.

As shown in FIG. 3, the protective glove 100 can comprises a pluralityof protective members disposed on the palmar portion 134. The protectivemembers 144 are disposed on each of the plurality of finger elements 104and the thumb element 102, as well as the palm of the protective glove.The protective members 144 can be aligned on the palmar portion 134 ofthe protective glove 100 to protect a portion of one or more of therespective distal phalanxes 51, 58, 64, 71, and 78, the middle phalanxes56, 63, 69, and 76, the proximal phalanxes 48, 54, 61, 67, and 74,and/or the metacarpals 42, 43, 44, 45, and 46. The protective members144 can be comprise polymeric and/or metallic material. The polymericmaterial can be elastomeric, such as rubber. The protective members 144also can comprise fibrous padding attached to or formed in the palmarside of the glove body 101.

The protective glove 100 comprises one or more nibs 120 disposedthereon. As shown in FIG. 3, a nib 120 can be disposed on the palmarside portion 134 of the glove body 101 of the protective glove 100. Asshown, the nib 120 is disposed on the index finger element 106 of theprotective glove 100 adjacent the tip 118 of the index finger element106 on the palmar side thereof. The nib 120 projects from the surface ofthe outer layer 160 of the protective glove 100. The nib 120 comprises anib body 122, a nib collar 124 circumscribing at least a portion of thenib body 122. The nib 120 is detachably connected to the protectiveglove 100 by the engagement of a portion of the nib 120 with a nibreceiver 146 formed in the protective glove 100. The nib 120, as shownin FIG. 3, comprises a nib body 122 that is at least partiallyspheroidal in shape. The present disclosure encompasses nibs withalternative configurations.

As shown in FIG. 4, the nib 120 is aligned adjacent the distal phalanx58 of the index finger 59 when the user's hand is disposed in theprotective glove 100. The nib 120 is extends from the outer surface 160of the protective glove 100 on the palmar side of the index fingerelement 106. The nib 120 can be aligned to the palmar side of the tip118 of the index finger element 106.

A sectional view of a portion of the index finger element 106 of theprotective glove 100 is shown in FIG. 6. The index finger element 106comprises an outer layer 160, an outer insulation layer 162 disposedadjacent the outer layer 160, an outer fleece layer 164 disposedadjacent the outer insulation layer 162, an inner insulation layer 166disposed adjacent the outer fleece layer 162, and an inner lining layer168 disposed adjacent the inner insulation layer 166. One or more of theinner lining layer 168, the inner insulation layer 166, the outer fleecelayer 164, and the outer insulation layer 162 can be electricallyconductive. The outer layer 160 can be electrically non-conductive. Inone aspect, the present disclosure encompasses a protective glovecomprising plurality of electrically conductive layers in electricalcommunication with the nib 120. In another aspect, the presentdisclosure encompasses a protective glove comprising an insulation layerin electrical communication with an inner lining layer 168, which can beformed of an electrically conductive material provided in a fleece.

As shown in FIG. 6, the nib 120 comprises a nib body 122, a nib collar124 circumscribing at least a portion of the nib body 122, and a nibpost 125. The nib post 125 comprises a thread formed thereon. The nib120 is detachably connected to the protective glove 100 via retention ofthe nib 120 by the nib receiver 146. The nib post 125 is threadablyconnected to the nib receiver 146, which comprises a threaded wall 148that engages the thread formed on the receiver post 125. The nibreceiver 146 also comprises a receiver base 150 that is disposedadjacent the inner insulation layer 166. The nib body 122 is in contactand electrical communication with the nib collar 124 and the nib post125. The nib post 125 is in contact and electrical communication withthe threaded wall 148 and receiver base 150 of the nib receiver 146. Thenib receiver 146 is aligned adjacent to and contacting the outerinsulation layer 162, the outer fleece layer 164, and the innerinsulation layer 166. The nib receiver 146 is in electricalcommunication with the outer insulation layer 162, the outer fleecelayer 164, the inner insulation layer 166, and the inner lining layer168. Both the nib 120 and the nib receiver 146 are in electricalcommunication with the index finger 59 of the user wearing theprotective glove 100, wherein the electrical communication is providedvia the contact of the index finger 59 with the inner lining layer 168,and the electrical communication of the inner lining layer 168 with theinner insulation layer 166, the outer fleece layer 164, the outerinsulation layer 162 and the nib receiver 146.

Each of the nib body 122, the nib collar 124 and the nib post 125 can beformed of one or more electrically conductive materials, such as, butnot limited to, a polymer, an elastomer, a fluorosilicone or siliconerubber, and/or a polyvinyl chloride, impregnated with one or moreelectrically conductive particles, including, but not limited to,particles of carbon, silver, copper, aluminum, and/or nickel. The nibbody 122 can be disposed within the nib collar 124. The nib collar 124,the nib post 125, and nib receiver 146, which can be formed of a metal,a metal alloy and/or another electrically conductive material, such as,but not limited to, a metal such as, but not limited to, aluminum,steel, brass, and/or nickel.

One or more of the insulation layers and/or fleece layers of theprotective gloves encompassed by the present disclosure compriseelectrically conductive materials. The electrically conductive materialscan comprise electrically conductive metallic fibers, syntheticfilaments, synthetic fibers, metallic wire, metallic filament yarn,metallic particles, and/or carbon particles. The electrically conductivematerials can comprise metallic fibers, wire, and/or particlesincluding, but not limited to, silver, copper, gold, aluminum,molybdenum, zinc, tungsten, brass, nickel, iron, palladium, platinum,tin, bronze, carbon steel, stainless steel, and/or titanium. Theelectrically conductive materials also can comprise fibers and/orparticles of carbon. The electrically conductive materials can comprisenatural and/or synthetic polymeric fibers coated and/or impregnated withmetallic and/or carbon particles. The polymeric fibers can include, butare not limited to, cotton, wool, polyester, nylon, aramid, and/orpolyoxzole. In one aspect, one or both of the inner lining layer 168 andouter fleece layer 164 comprise a knitted tricot fabric comprisingpolyester fibers, polyester-polyurethane copolymer (spandex) fibers, andcarbon fibers. In a further aspect, one or both of the inner lininglayer 168 and outer fleece layer 164 comprise a knitted tricot fabriccomprising about 77% by weight polyester fibers, about 3% by weightpolyester-polyurethane copolymer fibers, and about 20% by weight carbonfibers. In another aspect, one or both of the outer insulation layer 162and the inner insulation layer 166 comprise polyester fibers and a metalfibers, including, but not limited to, silver and steel.

FIG. 8 illustrates the index finger element 106 of an alternativeprotective glove 200 encompassed by the present disclosure. The indexfinger element 106 is shown in cross section with a user's finger 59disposed therein, Instead of the nib 420 disposed on the palmar side ofthe index finger element 106, the protective glove 200 includes a nib420 disposed at the tip 118 of the index finger element 106 thereof,such that the nib 420 is disposed between the palmar and dorsal side ofthe protective glove 200. The nib 420 is detachably connected to theprotective glove 200 by threadable connection to the nib receiver 146,which is disposed at the tip 118 of the index finger element 106. Theposition of the nib 420 on the index finger element 106 aligns the nib420 adjacent the tip of the user's index finger 59 and proximal to thedistal phalanx 58 thereof. The index finger 59 of the user is inelectrical communication with the nib 420 via the electricalcommunication of the inner lining layer 168, the inner insulation layer166, the outer fleece layer 164 and the outer insulation layer 162 withthe nib receiver 146.

FIG. 9 illustrates the nib 120 of the protective glove 100 detached fromthe nib receiver 146 integrally formed with the protective glove 100.The nib 120 can be detached from the nib receiver 146 to replace the nib120 or to use the protective glove 100 without the nib 120.

FIG. 10 illustrates another embodiment of a protective glove 300encompassed by the present disclosure. The protective glove 300comprises a plurality of nibs 120, 220, and 320 detachably connectedthereto and a plurality of receivers 146 formed therein. As shown inFIG. 10, a single nib receiver 146 is disposed on each of the thumbelement 102, the index finger element 106 and the long finger element108. Each of the three nib receivers 146 has a nib 120, 220, and 320threadably attached thereto. Each nib 120, 220, and 320 is in electricalcommunication with the innermost layer of the respective finger elementso that a user's finger disposed in the respective finger element 106,102, and 108 can be electrical communication with the respective nib120, 220, and 320. The nibs 120, 220, 320 are illustrated disposed onthe palmar side of the respective finger elements 106, 201 and 108, butthe present disclosure encompasses protective gloves comprising aplurality of nibs disposed at the tips of a plurality of fingerelements, as well as other positions on the protective glove appropriatefor interaction with a keypad, keyboard, touchscreen, control device orother machine user interface. In one aspect, the protective gloveencompassed by the present disclosure comprises a plurality of nibreceivers. In another aspect, the plurality of nib receivers comprises anib receiver on two or more finger elements of the glove. In yet anotheraspect, at least one nib receiver can be disposed on each of the fingerelements so as to allow a nib to be mounted on each of the fingerelements. In further aspect, a plurality of nib receivers can bedisposed on a finger element of the protective glove.

The protective glove 300 can be used with only one of the nib receivers146 having a nib 120, 220 or 320, respectively, threadably connectedthereto. Alternatively, less than all, but more than one, of the nibreceivers 146 can have a nib 120, 220 or 320 threadably connectedthereto, so as to expand the configurations of the protective glove 300as needed in particular applications.

The protective gloves 100, 200, and 300 described herein can be worn bya user and used to interact with a keyboard, keypad, touchscreen orother user interface of a machine or device by contacting the nib 120,220, 320 and/or 420 to the user interface. If the user interface has acapacitive aspect in which activation of the interface is carried out bycompleting an electrical circuit between the interface and a part of theuser's body, an electrical circuit can be completed between the user'shand and the user interface through the nib body 122, the nib post 125,the nib receiver 146, and one or more of the outer insulation layer 162,the outer fleece layer 164, the inner insulation layer 166, and theinner lining layer 168, which is in contact with at least a portion ofthe user's hand 20 disposed within the protective glove 100, 200, or300. The alignment of the nibs 120, 220, and 320 on one of the fingerelements 104 of the protective gloves 120, 220, and 320 allows the userto apply pressure to the respective nib by the finger upon which therespective nib is positioned. The plurality of insulative layersprovided in each of the protective gloves 120, 220, and 320 can protectthe user's hand from extreme temperature and other environmentalconditions as the nibs disposed on the protective gloves are being usedon a user interface. The protective members 126, 128, 130 and 132 canassist in the protection of the user's hand from vibration and/orcrushing forces.

The alignments and configurations of the parts of the protective glovedisclosed herein can be varied without departing from the scope of thepresent disclosure. Other embodiments of protective gloves set forth inthe present disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art fromtheir consideration of the specification and practice of the presentdisclosure disclosed in this document. The applicant intends that thespecification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with thetrue scope and spirit of the present disclosure.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A protective glove comprising: a palmarportion and a dorsal portion connected to the palmar portion, whereinthe palmar portion and the dorsal portion cooperate to form a glovebody, wherein the palmar portion and the dorsal portion cooperate toform an opening in the glove body; a plurality of finger elements formedin the glove body, wherein the plurality of finger elements comprises anindex finger element, a long finger element, a ring finger element, anda small finger element; a thumb element formed in the glove body,wherein the glove body comprises an outer layer, an inner lining layer,and an insulative layer disposed between the outer layer and the innerlining layer; and, a nib attached to the glove body, wherein the nibcomprises an electrically conductive material, wherein the outer layeris electrically non-conductive, wherein the inner lining layer iselectrically conductive, and wherein the nib is in electricalcommunication with the inner lining layer.
 2. The protective glove ofclaim 1, further comprising a nib receiver attached to the glove body,wherein the nib is detachably secured to the nib receiver.
 3. Theprotective glove of claim 1, wherein the insulative layer iselectrically conductive, and wherein the insulative layer is inelectrical communication with the nib and the inner lining layer.
 4. Theprotective glove of claim 1, wherein the insulative layer is oneinsulative layer of a plurality of insulative layers disposed in theglove body between the outer layer and the inner lining layer.
 5. Theprotective glove of claim 1, further comprising a plurality ofprotective members disposed on the glove body.
 6. The protective gloveof claim 5, wherein a protective member of the plurality of protectivemembers is disposed on the dorsal portion.
 7. The protective glove ofclaim 5, wherein the plurality of protective members is disposed on theplurality of finger elements.
 8. The protective glove of claim 1,wherein the nib is disposed on the index finger element of the glovebody.
 9. The protective glove of claim 8, wherein the nib is disposed ona palmar side of the index finger element of the glove body.
 10. Theprotective glove of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of nibreceivers attached to the glove body.
 11. The protective glove of claim10, wherein the plurality of nib receivers is disposed on the pluralityof finger elements.
 12. A protective glove comprising: a palmar portionand a dorsal portion connected to the palmar portion, wherein the palmarportion and the dorsal portion cooperate to form a glove body, whereinthe palmar portion and the dorsal portion cooperate to form an openingin the glove body; a plurality of finger elements formed in the glovebody, wherein the plurality of finger elements comprises an index fingerelement, a long finger element, a ring finger element, and a smallfinger element; a thumb element formed in the glove body, wherein theglove body comprises an outer layer, an inner lining layer, and aplurality of insulative layers disposed between the outer layer and theinner lining layer; and, a nib detachably connected to a nib receiver,wherein the nib receiver is attached to the glove body, wherein the nibcomprises an electrically conductive material, wherein the outer layeris electrically non-conductive, wherein the inner lining layer iselectrically conductive, and wherein the nib is in electricalcommunication with the inner lining layer.
 13. The protective glove ofclaim 12, wherein the plurality of insulative layers is electricallyconductive, and wherein the plurality of insulative layers is inelectrical communication with the nib and the inner lining layer. 14.The protective glove of claim 12, further comprising a plurality ofprotective members disposed on the dorsal portion of the glove body. 15.The protective glove of claim 12, further comprising a plurality ofprotective members disposed on the plurality of finger elements.
 16. Theprotective glove of claim 12, wherein the nib is disposed on the indexfinger element of the glove body.
 17. The protective glove of claim 16,wherein the nib is disposed on a palmar side of the index finger elementof the glove body.
 18. The protective glove of claim 12, wherein the nibreceiver is one nib receiver of a plurality of nib receivers attached tothe glove body.
 19. A protective glove comprising: a palmar portion anda dorsal portion connected to the palmar portion, wherein the palmarportion and the dorsal portion cooperate to form a glove body, whereinthe palmar portion and the dorsal portion cooperate to form an openingin the glove body; a plurality of finger elements formed in the glovebody, wherein the plurality of finger elements comprises an index fingerelement, a long finger element, a ring finger element, and a smallfinger element; a thumb element formed in the glove body, wherein theglove body comprises an outer layer, an inner lining layer, an outerinsulative layer disposed adjacent the outer layer, an outer fleecelayer disposed adjacent the outer insulative layer, and an innerinsulative layer disposed between the outer fleece layer and the innerlining layer, wherein at least one of the outer insulative layer, theouter fleece layer, and the inner insulative layer are electricallyconductive; a plurality of protective members disposed on the dorsalportion and the plurality of finger elements and the thumb element; and,a nib detachably connected to a nib receiver, wherein the nib receiveris attached to the palmar side of the index finger element of the glovebody, wherein the nib extends beyond the outer layer, wherein the nibcomprises an electrically conductive material, wherein the outer layeris electrically non-conductive, wherein the inner lining layer iselectrically conductive, wherein the nib is in electrical communicationwith the inner lining layer, and at least one of the outer insulativelayer, the outer fleece layer, and the inner insulative layer.